About Brave Search

Brave Search is a relatively new search engine, launched in 2021 by Brave Software, the same company that created the privacy-focused Brave browser. It was founded by Brendan Eich, known for co-founding Mozilla and inventing JavaScript. Brave Search was built to challenge the dominance of data-collecting search engines by offering a privacy-first alternative that does not track users.

Brave Search is powered by its own independent search index, ensuring that users’ data is not shared with third parties. Unlike most search engines that rely on user profiling and personalized ads, Brave Search focuses on providing neutral, unfiltered search results. I also offers an ad-free option and operates with a strong emphasis on transparency, allowing users to verify the independence of their search results.

Brave Search is gaining popularity among privacy-conscious users. With its independence from major search providers, it represents a unique option in the market. Brave Search has seen steady growth since its launch, benefiting from Brave browser's expanding user base. Though it is still small in comparison to giants like Google, its commitment to privacy has earned it a loyal following.

Brave Search Timeline

• 2016: Brave Software, founded by Brendan Eich, launched the Brave Browser, focusing on privacy, blocking ads and trackers by default. The browser quickly gained popularity among users concerned with internet privacy.
• 2021: Brave officially launched Brave Search in beta as a privacy-focused search engine, aiming to compete with Google and Bing. Unlike many competitors, Brave Search built its own independent index rather than relying on other search engines for results. It promised a search experience free of tracking, data collection, and personalized ads.
• 2022: Brave Search exited beta, becoming the default search engine for Brave Browser users. It continued to enhance its indexing capabilities and added features like Goggles, which allowed users to customize their search experience by creating filters for results.
• 2023: Brave Search introduced ad-supported results to support its free service while offering an ad-free premium option. This approach aimed to balance privacy with revenue needs, ensuring users were not tracked while supporting the service’s growth.
• 2024: Brave Search continued to evolve, adding more features like summarization using AI, offering users a quick overview of search results. Its user base grew, especially among privacy-focused communities, as concerns about Big Tech and data collection remained high.
• Legacy: Brave Search represents a modern approach to privacy in the search engine market, offering an independent alternative to traditional search engines. Its commitment to building its own index and putting privacy first has made it a popular choice for users looking to avoid the surveillance-driven business models of mainstream search engines.

Dive deeper into the world of search engines—discover another fascinating history and timeline. Ecosia: The Search Engine That's Saving the Planet, One Tree at a Time.